Scott Harding walked off the practice field Tuesday without a limp or grimace.
The only cautionary sign was the medical boot on his right foot.
“It looks worse than it is,” said Harding, the Hawaii football team’s top punt returner. “It was pretty swollen (Monday). It’s all good now.”
Harding said he was optimistic following an MRI Monday night.
“I should be able to (start) if it keeps improving every day, like it is,” Harding said.
Noting Saturday’s game against Brigham Young is the regular-season finale, Harding added, “I’ll do everything I can to get out there.”
As insurance, free safety John Hardy-Tuliau and slotback Breydan Torres-Keohokapu took reps as punt returners. Hardy-Tuliau said he was there to provide a look for the punt-coverage unit. Torres-Keohokapu is considered to be a legitimate option as a returner, a job he held at Mount San Antonio College last season.
“They’re taking a look at me,” Torres-Keohokapu said. “So far, so good. I mean, I feel comfortable back there.”
This season, Torres-Keohokapu has played in one game.
“I’m trying to get back out there on the field,” he said. “It’s been a long time. The fire is burning in me.”
Graves given green light
With medical clearance, David Graves participated in Tuesday’s practice.
Because of blurriness in his left eye, Graves was pulled from Saturday’s game against Tulane in the third quarter. It is believed the condition was an electrolyte imbalance resulting from flu-like symptoms suffered the previous week.
“My head felt completely good the next day,” Graves said. “I got some sleep. I’m ready to move on.”
On Tuesdays, the Warriors have an hour of video reviews and strategy sessions, then practice, without pads, for about an hour.
“I was throwing, not running around or anything,” Graves said.
He said he will participate in all of the drills during today’s full practice.
BYU QB cleared
BYU quarterback Riley Nelson said he has been cleared to practice today.
He reportedly incurred rib and lung injuries against Idaho on Nov. 12. He did not play in the following week’s game against New Mexico State. Jake Heaps started against the Aggies, completing 21 of 36 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns.
The Cougars practice today, then depart for Honolulu in the afternoon.
